David Bradley to star in Doctor Who drama

'Harry Potter' actor David Bradley will play the first ever Time Lord William Hartnell in a 'Doctor Who' 50th anniversary drama later this year, which he is "absolutely thrilled" about

David Bradley will play the first ever Time Lord William Hartnell in a special 'Doctor Who' 50th anniversary drama.

The 'Harry Potter' actor will portray the iconic star - who died in 1975 after playing the character from 1963 to 1966 - in the BBC's 'An Adventure in Space and Time', which will explore the story of the popular BBC sci-fi drama from the 1960s, and David is "absolutely thrilled" to have been offered the role by writer Mark Gatiss.

The 70-year-old actor - who starred as Solomon in 'Doctor Who' episode 'Dinosaurs on a Spaceship' last year - said: "I first heard about this role from Mark while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre.

"When he asked if I would interested, I almost bit his hand off! Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television's history.

"William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I'm so looking forward to getting started."

Other stars taking part in the project are 'Call the Midwife' actress Jessica Raine, playing the show's producer Verity Lambert, and Brian Cox as the BBC's Head of Drama at the time, Sydney Newman.

Filming for the one-off feature will begin at the BBC Television Centre in February before moving to Wimbledon studios in south west London.

Mark will be executive producer of the 90-minute drama, alongside Caroline Skinner and head-writer Steven Moffat.

The first broadcast of 'Doctor Who' was on November 23, 1963 with a four-part adventure entitled 'An Unearthly Child'.